Danish and German landscape planners discussing the geomorphology of Rødbyfjord on Lolland during the workshop (photo: Lis Jensen).

To create a standardized approach for the landscape analyses on Lolland and Fehmarn, a joint landscape workshop for German and Danish landscape planners was organised. At the workshop, a joint method for recording and analysing the landscape was developed with due respect for the differences in landscapes and the legal practices in the two countries.

Recording and evaluating the landscape
Using this coordinated method, the landscape planners have subdivided the investigation areas on Lolland and Fehmarn into so-called landscape units which reflect the way natural processes and human activities have affected the landscape (see maps). By mapping these landscape units, the importance and visual sensitivity of the landscape units compared to the planned construction of a fixed link will be evaluated.

Three steps for recording and mapping the landscape on Lolland
On Lolland, the first step in the mapping process is to analyze and classify the landscape according to physical factors such as soil, topography and geomorphology. The next step is the evaluation of the way anthropogenic factors affect the landscape, for instance by land reclamation and the construction of manors. In the final stage, the visual and spatial perception of the landscape is taken into account.  

Together, these three steps form what is defined as so-called landscape character areas, in which the landscape is a unique combination of distinctive physical, human and visual factors. As a result, eight landscape character areas were defined within the Lolland investigation area.

Spatial characteristics on Fehmarn
On Fehmarn, the landscape specialists started out by dividing the investigation area into landscape types according to their spatial characteristics and visual appearance, and the type of land use. For example, coastal landscapes or intensively used agricultural landscapes differ from each other. In a second step, these landscape types are subdivided into smaller landscape units and the focus shifted towards visual and other sensorial perceptions of the landscape.

In this way, the spatial and local features as well as the protected resources (soil/geology, flora/fauna, cultural heritage, material assets, etc.) can be taken into account really well. Accordingly, it was possible to identify and distinguish eight different landscape units from each other like on Lolland. For example, agricultural areas with and without a visual connection to the Baltic Sea are to be mentioned here, as well as lowlands or existing traffic infrastructures.